Melek, a gelding bred to thrive over longer journeys than the one he debuted in, made a striking first impression at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday.
The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old kicked off his racing career in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m), and despite the modest start point for a horse with his pedigree, he proved more than up to the task.
Backed late in the market and expertly handled by Craig Williams, Melek ($4.20) powered over the top of $2.40 favourite Wolfoffitzroystreet to win by a length, with Icaro ($5.50) another 1-¾ lengths away in third.
Melek is by St Jean — sire of Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup hero Half Yours — out of Pure Theatre mare Regina Coeli, the remarkable dual winner of Warrnambool’s gruelling Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m).
Though renowned for her jumping career, Regina Coeli also collected two flat victories over 1600m before turning to the obstacles.
Sadly, St Jean passed away shortly after Half Yours claimed the Melbourne Cup, following a freak paddock accident.
Melek races in the partnership of Maher and Halo Racing, with part-owner Janice McKenna also previously involved in the ownership of Half Yours before his sale last year.
Leigh Allen, representing Maher’s team, was upbeat about the gelding’s prospects following his successful debut.
“Janice is in the horse along with Ciaron who has a fair chunk in the horse and well done to the team at Ballarat who have done all the work with the horse,” Allen said.
“He’s four now, but what I can see of that win, he’s got a bright future.”
Craig Williams also came away impressed, though he revealed Melek gave him a surprise early in the preliminaries.
“He was a bit startled and wanted to run away with me, which was a bit awkward,” Williams said.
“But then he fell into the model of stepping slow, and relaxing.
“I thought at the 500 (metres) when he started to reel in the favourite, he had that nice momentum, which was good, but then he got on the wrong leg turning, which is not unusual in their first start, and on this track, but then he kept lengthening and he was able to reel them in.
“It was a good win in the end.”
Punters wanting to follow Melek into his next start can compare the best odds available from Australia’s leading betting sites.